Chris Hendra Gains Top Honor in 2022 Michigan Audubon Photography Awards

We are excited to announce that the 2022 Michigan Audubon Photography Awards winner is Chris Hendra with his stunning Song Sparrow capture! 

Hendra’s photograph captured the perfect moment of the Song Sparrow pausing to look at its reflection from the edge of a beaver pond in the Western Upper Peninsula. The thoughtful composition draws in the viewer, inciting introspection and a connection  with this quiet moment in nature.

Hendra is a Michigan Audubon member who hails from the Copper Country of the Upper Peninsula, where he is married with one daughter. “I have always loved being outdoors and spend the bulk of my free time pursuing Upper Michigan wildlife with my camera. I especially enjoy photographing birds in their natural habitat,” he said.

All three submissions from Hendra were evocative, and we look forward to sharing more of his work with you throughout the year.

Earning honorable mentions this year are Jocelyn Anderson, Steve Jessmore, and Joseph Malott.

All photographers will be featured in a weeklong Instagram takeover to share their stories as nature lovers and advocates for birds, along with being featured on the Michigan Audubon website at www.michiganaudubon.org/MAPA.

While we were excited to offer a Youth category, we only received submissions from three photographers. Because we did not meet the minimum of 10 entrants, we will not be declaring a winner in this category. We will feature the photos that were submitted in future social media posts and JPW issues.

You can stay up to date on our future photo contests by becoming a member or renewing your membership, receiving our monthly eNews, and following us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Thank you to all who submitted their photos to the 2022 Michigan Audubon Photography Awards! Your work continues to inspire us to connect with nature and the birds we are here to protect.